Happy New Year! I missed the IWSG last month for the first time ever, because life was keeping me away from blogging (and writing) but I’ve promised myself this year I’m going to be more diligent about both–call it a resolution, if you will. I tend to be a happier person when I’m getting words down, whether they be in stories or blog posts–and I’m determined 2019 will be happy!

I guess my insecurity this month is focusing on the new year–another writing year–and wondering if I’m EVER gonna at least make a living off it. I’ve got a lot of books published but I’m nowhere near making enough money off them to pay the bills, which is what I want eventually. I know sometimes it takes a lot of books, a lot of hard work, and a big old dash of luck, but it gets frustrating. It gets disheartening. Sometimes I ask why am I still doing this, when it feels like I’m getting nowhere? Of course, I know if I DON’T keep doing it, that’s a surefire way to get nowhere forever. So…I’ll keep on keeping on. I don’t want to be famous, I just want to make a career of it!

Well, okay, it would be nice to be famous too. But that’s not the actual goal.

Do you ever get frustrated and disheartened?

January 2 question – What are your favorite and least favorite questions people ask you about your writing?

Hmm, well, I don’t mind anyone wanting to talk to me about writing. It’s my favorite subject, after all. I guess my favorite questions focus on specific aspects of my books or my writing techniques–I love to talk shop. I love when non-writers are curious and want to know when I devote time to my writing, how I do it, and how I come up with ideas. I’m always very flattered and grateful when someone is genuinely curious about my writing.

Least favorite–I would have to say, the impossible questions. When someone asks me “can you tell me how to write a book?” (I’ve gotten that one a few times!) it’s not a question I can easily, or even non-easily, answer. It’s a huge, complicated process and it takes a lot of work and practice. Also, everyone writes a book their own way. And, not a question, but I greatly dislike the “I have an idea for your next book!” conversation. I can’t just write any old thing, and most of the time their ideas aren’t even in the generes I write. I appreciate it, but no thanks.

Kudos to you for hanging in there with persistence, Megan. I tried to write while teaching and couldn’t pull it off because teaching was all-consuming. I admire your courage and determination to make a living from writing, and I hope you make that transition much sooner than later. Wishing you success and fulfillment in the new year!

Great thoughts on writing! I’m in the same boat, not making enough to pay bills, hence the PT job so I can keep gas in the car and food in my belly LOL
I had the same request once – someone wanted to buy me a coffee so I could meet with them and tell them how to write and publish a book. In an hour or two? Seriously???
I didn’t take them up on their offer. LOL

I think we all get disheartened, even those of us who can safely put ourselves in the “successful” box. I’ve been getting disheartened about my aunty taking for ever to read my novel and send me the edits haha

I’m with you on that frustration. Especially since my last few months of 2018 had pretty bad sales. I’m at least lucky and grateful that hubby’s job is enough to pay the bills, but I’d like to help out via my writing and crafts.

I completely feel the frustration of seemingly getting nowhere. I don’t have as many books out as you, but it’s hard not to play the comparison game with others around you. I hope you start to see that uptake in sales that puts you on the path to living off your words.

Here’s hoping 2019 is the year when you make enough to quit the day job if you want. I wouldn’t even being to know how to answer a question about how to write a book. It’s a big and complicated topic, one I’m still trying to figure out.